The changes in Chinese visa applications from India will see the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai directly handle visa submissions from October 26, 2026, affecting application procedures for travellers and the travel trade.
Indian travellers planning trips to China will need to take note of a change in the visa application process from October 26, 2026. The Chinese Embassy in India has announced that it, along with the Chinese Consulate General in Mumbai, will directly accept and process Chinese visa applications and consular legalisation requests, replacing the existing submission arrangements through visa application centres for these services.
The transition will also affect applicants within the jurisdiction of the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata. Their visa and consular legalisation services will temporarily be handled by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. The revised arrangement is intended to streamline consular processing, but applicants should confirm the applicable procedures before submitting documents.
Under the updated process, applicants must first complete the Chinese visa application form online, upload the required documents and submit them for online review through the official visa application portal. No fee is payable at this initial stage. Once the application receives online approval, applicants must visit the relevant embassy or consulate within 30 days of receiving the notification to submit their passport, application form and supporting documents. Fingerprints will be collected where required, and visa fees will be paid when collecting the processed passport.
For travel agents and tour operators, the changes in Chinese visa applications from India make it important to review existing visa assistance procedures, particularly for clients with upcoming business trips, group tours and holiday bookings. Agents should inform customers about the revised submission arrangements, allow sufficient time for document preparation and verify the relevant consular jurisdiction before advising them on where to apply.
Applicants should also note that fingerprint requirements vary according to visa category and circumstances. Under the current notice, fingerprint collection is waived until December 31, 2026, for short-term visas allowing stays of up to 180 days. Certain long-term, residence-related and multiple-entry visa applications may still require fingerprint collection, subject to the stated exemptions.
The changes in Chinese visa applications from India take effect just ahead of the peak winter travel season, making advance planning particularly important for travellers and industry professionals. Applicants are advised to consult the official Chinese Embassy website for the latest documentation requirements, fees and submission instructions before proceeding.
